North McDonough and Howard intersection will be closed this weekend

The intersection of North McDonough Street and East Howard Avenue will be closed on March 4 and 5, the city says.

The closure will allow for intersection improvements at the North McDonough railroad crossing.

“Parts of the PATH Foundation’s Stone Mountain Trail near the crossing have been demolished and will be closed to bicycle traffic as well,” the city said in a press release.

The closure means there will be no traffic going through that intersection, but East and West Howard and North McDonough will still be open to local traffic.

“This is one of the major steps necessary in rebuilding the McDonough railroad crossing,” the press release says. “Pavement at the McDonough-Howard intersection will be raised up to 3 feet to provide a gentler slope on the north side of the crossing and an accessible path for persons in wheelchairs or those using strollers.

“The entire project, which includes the rail crossings at both McDonough and Candler, will significantly improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, further encouraging those who live in Winnona Park, the McDonough-Adams-Kings Highway community, and other neighborhoods south of the CSX rail corridor to walk and bike into downtown Decatur.”

After CSX replaces the rail crossing, there will be a safer route outside the railroad gates for bikers and walkers, the press release says. Currently they have to use the same roadway as vehicles crossing the intersection. The improvements will also create protected left turn lanes.

“CSX will subsequently be rebuilding the rail portion of the project and will need to close each crossing for about one week for its work,” the press release says. “These closings will be announced as they approach so stay tuned.”

This weekend streetscape work will also begin on the east side of McDonough Street.

“This will start with moving vehicular traffic to the west (Decatur High School) side of North McDonough,” the press release says. “Sections of sidewalk on the east side of McDonough will be removed and replaced with temporary walks while the new sidewalks, bio-swales and planters are built.”

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